Geauga Park District
Public reservations for the new Judge Lester Taylor Lodge at Claridon Woodlands is now open.
For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Reserve Your Space In Nature
Public reservations for the new Judge Lester Taylor Lodge at Claridon Woodlands is now open.
The facility located in this brand new 127-acre park at 11383 Claridon Troy Road, offers gorgeous views of the nearby lake and trail, custom-made wooden furniture, a kitchenette, outdoor bistro sets and indoor restrooms with running water. Capacity is 99 guests.
Spring Birding
Join Geauga Park District naturalists on springtime bird-watching walks. Continuing a Greater Cleveland tradition since 1933, the annual Spring Bird Walk Series returns throughout April and May – April 15 at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve, April 22 at Frohring Meadows, April 29 at The Rookery, May 6 at Eldon Russell Park, May 13 at Big Creek Park, and May 20 at Swine Creek Reservation. All walks are Sundays, from 7:30-9:30 a.m., and located where there is the best bet for birds at each particular stage of migration.
Dress for the weather and bring a bird guide and binoculars if available. Registration is not required.
Meet The Artists
April 21, 2-4 p.m.
Meet “2 Friends Sharing Their Love of Art and Nature” during a public Meet the Artists open house event at the West Woods Nature Center.
The park’s newest exhibit, on display through July 24, features beautiful landscape and floral paintings by Susan Hood and a collection of drawings, paintings, photography and mixed media by Sheila R. Dorris.
Equine Park Fun
Register to bring one’s own horse to join Geauga Park District for a naturalist-led Horseback Trail Ride. Riders must trailer their own horses to the park. Helmets are encouraged.
- Maple Highlands Horse Ride
May 5, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Headwaters Park, Route 608 parking lot
Spend the morning on a leisurely Amish-countryside ride along the bike and buggy path, including two covered bridges. The 6-7 mile ride on the newly opened Maple Highlands Trail-South provides a peaceful tour of parks, farms and village. Road crossings, gravel, bridges, bikes and/or buggies may be anticipated.
- Headwaters Horse Ride
May 5, 1-3 p.m.
Headwaters Park, Route 608 parking lot
Spend the afternoon on a leisurely ride enjoying wildflowers, an eagle nest, migratory birds and scenic lake views. This 4-mile ride on the Buckeye and Maple Bridle Trails includes gravel and bridges with the possibility of bikes.
- Horseback Trail Ride (Walk, Trot & Canter)
June 23, Observatory Park
Walk, Trot & Canter is from 10-11:30 a.m.; Walk only is from 1-3 p.m. Enjoy the summer woodland from a seat in the saddle at your preferred pace. Participants may register for one or both rides and bring lunch to eat in between.
Park patrons who sometimes encounter horses – including hikers, bikers, joggers and dog-walkers– are encouraged to attend Sharing Trails with Horses on April 21, 10 a.m. to noon at The West Woods’ Turkey Ridge Shelter. Participants will learn how to safely approach horseback riders sharing park trails, as well as meet horses and riders from Rich Bradshaw Training Stables of Burton, who will demonstrate trail etiquette and how to get “inside the brain” of a horse. Bring children, strollers and dogs; no additional horses, please.
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